Dish Gardening Steps and Procedures

A bowl of succulent plants growing on a windowsill or patio provides a mixture of color and texture that draws the eye. Nearly any shallow dish works well for creating your own decorative dish garden if you prepare and plant it properly. Select plants with similar light and water requirements so they can all thrive together in the same dish.

Container Preparation

Disinfect bowls and dishes before using them as planters. Rinsing them in a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water destroys any pathogens When selecting a dish, choose one the necessary width for the desired garden size that has sides at least 3 inches deep. The dish doesn't necessarily need bottom drainage holes if appropriate drainage material is placed inside, although you can use a dish with holes if you have a drip tray to set beneath it.

Soil and Drainage

Any sterile, well-drained potting mix works well, although those formulated for cactus and contain peat work best. If the dish doesn't have holes, first place a 1-inch deep layer of coarse gravel in the bottom to provide a drainage bed. Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the gravel to prevent sour soil. After preparing the drainage layer, fill the the rest of the dish with soil to within 1/2 inch of the rim. Water the soil until it's evenly moist before you begin to plant.

Planting Method

Most small succulents also have small root systems. You can scoop them from their nursery pots with a spoon, taking care not to sever the roots, and then plant them at the same depth in the dish garden. Space plants closely together, leaving about 2 to 3 inches between plants. Slow-growing plants combined with close spacing prevents them from outgrowing the dish garden. Water lightly after planting to settle the soil around the roots You can arrange decorative elements, such as rocks or small statues, on top of the soil after you finish planting.

Basic Care

Although care may vary slightly depending on the plant types you've chosen, a dish gardens should thrive in full or dappled sun and warm temperatures. Water the garden once or twice weekly when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Supply just enough lukewarm water to moisten the soil, but avoid overwatering dishes that don't provide for bottom drainage. Dish garden plants rarely require fertilization, which will just make the plants grow more quickly and outgrow the dish. If the plants do become too large, transplant them to a larger dish or the garden.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.